A delegation from the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh has recently met Mr Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) and Dr Biren Sikder, MP, State Minister of Youth and Sports, Government of Bangladesh, in two consecutive meetings respectively on 30 and 31 July 2018. The delegation, consists of the Core Group Members of the Platform, was headed by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convenor of the Platform and Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

The main purpose of these meetings were to inform the government about the upcoming “Youth Conference 2018” which is being organised by the Citizen’s Platform in October 2018. The delegation shared with the government officials the objective and design of the day-long Conference, informed about the ongoing preparatory activities and requested for their participation and cooperation in the event.

At the meeting on 30 July 2018, Mr Md. Abul Kalam Azad appreciated the initiative of the Platform in organising a specific youth-event. He recalled that the Citizen’s Conference 2017 organised by the Citizen’s Platform, was a great success, and following the trail the upcoming Youth Conference will also be an effective one to raise awareness about SDGs among the Bangladesh youth. Mr Azad suggested to keep the youth community engaged with the designing process of the Conference so that new ideas and innovations are reflected the event.

While being briefed about the Conference on 31 July 2018, Dr Biren Sikder, MP, said that the Ministry will provide necessary support and cooperation in organising the event. A focal person at the level of Joint Secretary from the Ministry will be the contact person for the purpose, Department of Youth Development will also be notified and engaged accordingly.

Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, present at the meeting, emphasised on the outcome documents from the Conference which may be used as to raise awareness among youth even after the Conference. He also informed the Citizen’s Platform delegation about the National Youth Conference to be organised by the Ministry on 1 November 2018. The scopes of engaging the Platform with this event was also discussed to present the outcomes from the “Youth Conference 2018”.

Core Group Members of the Citizen’s Platform Ms Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Ms Rasheda K Choudhury, Executive Director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), Mr Asif Ibrahim, Vice-Chairman, New Age Group and Industries, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and Coordinator of the Platform Ms Anisatul Fatema Yousuf, Director, Dialogue & Communication were present at these meetings.